Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

by Héctor García

According to scientists who have studied the five Blue Zones, the keys to longevity are diet, exercise, finding a purpose in life (an ikigai), and forming strong social ties—that is, having a broad circle of friends and good family relations.

Drinking green or white tea every day can help us reduce the free radicals in our bodies, keeping us young longer.

Consuming nobiletin has been proven to protect us from arteriosclerosis, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity in general.

Wabi-sabi teaches us to appreciate the beauty of imperfection as an opportunity for growth.

“Walk slowly and you’ll go far.”

Friends are the best medicine, there for confiding worries over a good chat, sharing stories that brighten your day, getting advice, having fun, dreaming . . . in other words, living.